Saints show faith in Eli

ELI Templeton is one step closer to making his official AFL debut for St Kilda after being elevated to the club's senior list yesterday.

The 18-year-old, who made an eye-catching first appearance for the Saints in the NAB Challenge, is now a strong chance to face Melbourne in the club's round 1 match on Saturday night.

Templeton was promoted to the senior list for promising young ruckman Lewis Pearce, who is facing two months out with a back fracture.

He had just finished training with the main group when coach Alan Richardson informed him of the news.

"It's a pretty big shock, it has come around quicker than I expected," Templeton told The Advocate yesterday.

"I had a feeling that when Louie got put on the long-term injury list that I would be in line for a possible upgrade with four or five other guys, but I didn't assume anything.

"I turned around [after speaking to Alan] and had a big smile on my face.

"It still hasn't really sunk in yet, but the paperwork is all done so it's all official."

Despite not being given any indication from the coaching staff on whether he will line up against the Demons, Templeton said he had his fingers crossed.

"There's been no word, but with a few injuries to midfielders I'm a chance," he said.

Templeton said his performance against the Western Bulldogs during the preseason, where he won over St Kilda fans with his long, blond dreadlocks and his ability to find the goals, was just part of the reason why he was elevated.

"It probably [helped], but it wasn't only just that game, I think it was a combination of three or four other games over the preseason and my training habits," he said.

"[My performance against the Bulldogs] just topped it off really."

Templeton will find out tomorrow afternoon whether he'll make his official senior debut when the AFL teams are announced.